MEMBERS OF NATIONWIDE MARKETING GROUP WORK TOGETHER TO FEED CHILDREN IN NEED

Winston-Salem, NC – Nationwide Marketing Group Members rallied around the theme of the recent PrimeTime in Orlando, Florida, proving that the “Power of One” is more than just a slogan. While much of independent retail’s largest member conference and buying show, featured networking with vendors and fellow retailers, taking advantage of aggressive show specials and accessing more than one hundred educational sessions, many of the more than 4,000 in attendance also came together with a – making a difference in the lives of hungry children.

In partnership with No Child Hungry, the food distribution program of Orlando-based My Neighbor’s Children, Nationwide’s members set a goal of working together to assemble and package 100,000 meals for hungry children. This meal-packing effort, led by William Lowry, President of No Child Hungry, began a day before the PrimeTime show floor opened, and saw MembersVendors joining in. Donning hairnets, aprons and gloves, hundreds of attendees began the effort.

Tom Hickman, Nationwide’s new President and Chief Member Advocate, monitored the process and participation, sharing, “The giving nature of our Members has always been a hallmark of the Independent Retailer. This effort has allowed everyone at PrimeTime to pool their efforts toward a great cause, and a common purpose. While it was a challenging goal, we were thrilled to work with the No Child Hungry team to produce the needed supplies, not only hitting the goal, but surpassing it. The opportunity to stand alongside many of our Members and Vendors as we packed meal after meal was really an inspiring experience, and the results demonstrated the impact we can all have when we work together.”

After reaching the goal of 100,000 meals packed with more than half a day of PrimeTime remaining, the effort continued, and the meals kept coming together. Nationwide Exec Sean Crane reflected, “Once we reached the goal, the Members kept going. By day’s end, over 125,000 meals had been assembled, and were ready to go to those in need. It was a perfect example of the great things that can happen when with a common goal. The group’s collective buying power, marketing efforts and business activities are certainly important, but doing well by doing good has been a gratifying experience for all involved.”

At the conclusion of the show, and with the efforts of Nationwide Members completed, the next steps fell to William Lowry, as he and his team began the planning and executing the delivery of the meals to those in need. The meals packed at PrimeTime were bound for orphaned children in Haiti and distribution was completed in mid-April. With the efforts of some eighty people on the ground in the communities of Croix Des Bouquet, Bon Repos, Delmas, Carrefour and Cayes Jacmel, the meals have been delivered to children in need. Lowry added, “We’ve held children in our arms who were dying from malnutrition. This is wrong. NO child should go to bed hungry. The members of Nationwide are making a huge difference in the lives of hundreds of special kids. Thank you so much for joining us in the fight against child hunger!”

Nationwide is pleased to again partner with No Child Hungry during the group’s coming Las Vegas PrimeTime at the Venetian and Palazzo this August. Upon seeing the results of Members efforts, the Nationwide Team has ramped up its commitment to children in need with a goal of at least 250,000 meals delivered through No Child Hungry in 2018. Hickman has little doubt that the goal will be reached, saying, “Independent Retailers know how to get things done, and when our Members come together, we truly are Stronger, Better, Together. We’re confident that, together, Members, Vendors and Staff will again exceed the ambitious goal we’ve set. PrimeTime has always provided a big win for our Members and Vendors. Now, through the No Child Hungry initiative, we have also made it big win for those in need, and we couldn’t be happier.”

About Nationwide

Nationwide Marketing Group works on behalf of thousands of appliance, furniture, electronics, specialty electronics, custom installation and rent-to-own dealers, helping them grow their businesses and their bottom lines. With over 5,300 members operating more than 14,000 store fronts, Nationwide members represent tens of billions in combined annual sales. Nationwide is North America’s largest buying and marketing organization of its type. Industry veterans, heading Nationwide’s seven regional divisions, work to provide independent dealers with personalized service and local programming in every market they serve. More information is available at www.nationwidegroup.org.